Do you recall when all that SEO needed was cramming relevant keywords into the content?
Well, those were the good old days of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), a period before frequent SEO modifications when website owners did not have to worry about delivering relevant content or an entertaining user experience in order to acquire traffic and high ranks in search results pages.
Since there were numerous websites that supplied value-added content, they all took a second seat to completely “optimized” websites in terms of SERP ranks, and it did not matter if their content was primarily unhelpful.
After that, the search engines, particularly Google, performed huge algorithm modifications that forever altered the face of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). The ever-changing world of SEO offers Internet marketers a perpetual challenge that they can’t afford to overlook.
With an array of tactics for attracting traffic to a website available, it may be difficult to determine which ones are profitable and which just require too much time to provide a decent ROI. Another aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked is that there are several questionable Search Engine Optimization strategies that should be avoided or your total Internet marketing effort will suffer in the long run.
Even more perplexing for newcomers to the realm of Search Engine Optimization is the reality that many strategies that worked effectively for many years, no longer function and, in some circumstances might potentially have the opposite impact than what you wanted.
The following guide delves into the many aspects of search engine optimization and contrasts some of the strategies that may have formerly had some way with the ones that you must be using now.
● Black Hat to White Hat
Well, keyword stuffing was rather widespread in the early days of search engine optimization, and it still works for a large number of websites. Keyword stuffing is presently considered a Black Hat SEO technique, however, it was formerly one of several popular SEO techniques that might lead to website penalties from Google or other search engines.
Following the introduction of a series of algorithm modifications by Google in 2011, webmasters began to rely on black hat practices such as keyword stuffing, duplicating content, spamming links, uploading articles, and reducing the amount of “purchase links.” The last big algorithm adjustments by Google guarantee that black hat practices are no longer the norm and that consumers only receive the most relevant and valuable search results possible.
● Emphasis on User Experience
Many Search Engine Optimization specialists used to think of attaining high ranks. They just serve to impress search engines, irrespective of the content’s quality or relevancy. To put it simply, traditional SEO was never concerned with enhancing user experience.
User experience through content engagement has been a crucial component in search engine results for several decades. Google has said unequivocally that websites that provide an improved user experience will rank higher in search results. It implies that SEOs must guarantee that their websites, among other things, contain top-notch content and are highly focused on lengthy keywords that fulfil user purpose better than keywords.
● Rise of Voice Search
Who would’ve guessed two decades ago that we could all search for information without lifting a finger? Well, we currently reside in a world dominated by voice-searching smart speakers Amazon Echo/Alexa or Google Home. If you’re based out of Calgary and want to learn about the best fence rental services in Calgary, you could just search through your voice and get the results within seconds, eliminating the need to type the same on your device. SEOs are starting to optimize for voice search and are unlikely to stop looking at the craze in 2022.
● Smarter Users and Smarter Search Engines
Google’s choice to prioritize user experience is primarily based on the reality that people are considerably smarter today while utilizing search engines. They now know exactly what they are searching for and Google wants to provide them with the closest thing to what they require. Google has worked hard to improve its algorithms and procedures in order to give the best possible user experience, which has resulted in the development of a much smarter search engine. Light years away from a tool that was controlled and utilized by numerous optimizers two decades ago.
● Backlinks
Well, these have long been an important ranking element, and Google even encourages websites to have as many inbound links as possible. But, unscrupulous webmasters started to take advantage of the time Google had provided them, employing techniques such as link buying and link purchasing.
It took some time for Google to figure out what was wrong, but when they did, many sites were penalized. Backlinks with low authority or bought backlinks with the algorithm adjustment, current SEOs’ thoughts on backlinks have switched from number to quality. They’re now working hard to obtain only high-quality connections from respected websites.
● Responsiveness
When Search Engine Optimization first began many years ago, mobile internet was unimportant. Mobile users have long outnumbered desktop users, and mobile adaptability has become a must for websites all around the world. Because websites depend on their mobile versions via the MobileFirstIndex, it is even more important for webmasters to increase responsiveness and SEOs to strengthen their efforts in order to optimize for mobile devices.
The Bottom Line
While the total face of digital marketing has changed significantly over the years, it has not changed to the point that we no longer recognize it. Key elements like meta titles, link-building, meta descriptions, and keyword research are still present.
And, with a renewed emphasis on creating high-quality content material, improving user experience, enhancing your brand’s visibility and awareness, and refined site usability using the SEO Calgary technique, the future is looking better not only for SEOs but also for every search engine client.
If you’re considering implementing a search engine marketing strategy or improving your current search engine marketing approach, this blog of ours will definitely come in handy.